A CAMPAIGN of arson, vandalism, harassment and drug-taking has turned a neighbourhood into a living nightmare for residents.

A CAMPAIGN of arson, vandalism, harassment and drug-taking has turned a neighbourhood into a living nightmare for residents.

Gangs of youths are running amok in Cledford, leaving elderly residents too scared to go out and scarring neighbouring homes with hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

The crime blackspot is situated in the triangle between Princess Crescent, Coronation Road and Warmingham Lane. Residents have been sickened by the spate of vandalism.

But the worst casualty is Chadwick Fields Day Centre for people with physical disabilities and learning difficulties. The yobs have besieged the centre under cover of darkness, leaving extensive damage.

A day care officer, who did not wish to be named, said: 'They've climbed on to the roofs and even used a crowbar to break in to the cellar and then lit candles. One of these days we're just going to go up in flames.

'We're finding empty bottles of alcohol down the drains and broken glass all over the back yard. We've had a burning plastic bottle pushed through the

boilerhouse door and there's even been human faeces found in the grounds.'

The officer added: 'Some of these youths have been spotted wearing boiler suits ­ it's very odd. The old people who live around here are frightened to death.'

The youths have also torn holes in astroturf at the children's play area and a nearby building site has been targeted by arsonists several times.

Borough council environmental health warden Peter Cox said: 'This sort of behaviour has upset many elderly residents, some of whom have suffered abuse. People shouldn't have to live their lives like this.'

A spokeswoman for Cheshire County Council said: 'We have undertaken security measures at the centre and are working with the police to eradicate the problem.'

PC Mark Guildford of the Community Action Team (CAT) said: 'We have been giving this area more attention over the last few weeks, but it is still a hot spot. We would ask all the residents if they see anything suspicious to report it to the police.'

In an emergency, contact the Northwich police control room on 48000.

For incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour, phone CAT on 01244 613538.